This article is Part 2 of an important topic, “How to find a DUI Lawyer.” You can read Part 1 here. This article focuses on the key questions to ask before you hire a DUI lawyer
The key questions you need to ask a DUI lawyer before you retain them are impacted by THIS reality.
- DUI charges are different from other criminal charges. And here’s why.
- DUI laws change frequently, and you need a lawyer experienced in DUI to keep up with those changes
- DUI laws are complex and deep.
- For context, the Criminal Code has more than 60 pages devoted to DUIs compared to murder with less than 20 pages.
- DUI laws are complex and often change due to something called “case law.” Here’s what I mean when I say “case law.”
- Laws are written, then “tested in court.” A judge makes a ruling whether that law is right or wrong. And the Judge will explain the law to ensure that the law is followed correctly.
- Those rulings by Judges are known as case law. And they explain the law in detail about how the police and the Crown must conduct themselves.
- Think about it this way. More laws (remember, more than 60 pages in the Criminal Code) = more case law = lots of detailed rules to keep up on
- A lawyer who has DUI as their specialty knows case law better and can identify opportunities in your case than a lawyer who does not have DUI as their specialty.
- Bottom line is this. Experience in DUI cases matters. And I want you to ask these 4 questions to help you find an experienced DUI lawyer to help you fight your case.
1/ What percentage of their practice is DUI cases?
- Ideally, you want a DUI lawyer with a significant percentage of their practice focused on fighting DUI cases.
- The bigger the percentage focus on DUI cases, the more likely it is that DUI lawyer has the necessary focus to keep on top of the DUI laws.
- And consequently, the experience you need to fight your DUI case successfully.
2/ How long have they been defending DUI cases?
- Here, what you’re looking for is a lawyer that has at least a few years of fighting DUI cases.
- The more years he or she has been defending DUI cases, it’s more likely that DUI lawyer has the necessary experience to defend your DUI case properly.
3/ How many DUI cases have they defended?
- Here, you’re looking to hear that your DUI lawyer has defended dozens, if not 100s of DUI cases.
- The more DUI cases fought, the more experience that DUI lawyer will have in helping you fight your DUI case.
4/ Who will handle your DUI case?
- It’s crucial to understand who actually will handle your DUI case.
- In some cases, it will be the DUI lawyer you are speaking to, which would be great.
- However, in other cases, that DUI lawyer you are interviewing may get one of their team members to handle your DUI case.
- If that happens, ask the DUI lawyer you are speaking to about their role in handling your DUI case.
- Specifically, you want to ask if they will be supervising the lawyer doing the day-to-day work on your case. If yes, then that should be okay.
- However, if the DUI lawyer says they are taking a hands-off approach to your case, then you need to interview the DUI lawyer that will be doing the day to work.
- And in that case, you should ask these 4 questions to get comfortable with the DUI lawyer who will be doing the work.
Is a DUI a criminal charge in Ontario, Canada?
Yes, driving under the influence (DUI) is considered a criminal charge in Ontario, Canada. If you are convicted of a DUI, you could face serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment, depending on the circumstances of your case.
What are the consequences of a DUI conviction in Ontario, Canada?
The consequences of a DUI conviction in Ontario, Canada can be severe and long-lasting. You could face fines, license suspension, and imprisonment, depending on the circumstances of your case. Additionally, a DUI conviction can have a negative impact on your personal and professional life, as well as your ability to drive and travel. It is important to take a DUI charge seriously and seek the help of a knowledgeable DUI lawyer as soon as possible.
